Polar bear triplets at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ron Carmichael photo.
Churchill Wild’s mandate has always been to under-promise and over-deliver on their polar bear safaris, but sometimes the polar bears make that impossible. How do you under-promise what you might see at Seal River Heritage Lodge when 40 polar bears show up in a week?
While it’s not typical to see that many bears in such a short period of time at Seal River Heritage Lodge, polar bear sightings are still common, with about a 95% success rate. But the polar bear sightings this summer at Seal River have been off the charts, especially during the final week of July, when Churchill Wild Safari Specialist Dana MacDonald was at the lodge to learn more about the Birds, Bears & Belugas safari.
Polar bear at low tide. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ron Carmichael photo.
Churchill Wild sends all of their staff to each of their three ecolodges – Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, and Dymond Lake Ecolodge – to gain first-hand knowledge of their 11 different polar bear tours and safaris, and this was MacDonald’s first trip to Seal River.
MacDonald’s trip couldn’t possibly have gone any better, from a personal or professional perspective, and recent 5-Star Tripadvisor reviews for Seal River Heritage Lodge backed up everything she had to tell us. Her journey began on July 27th when she left the airport in Churchill. “We stayed at the Grand Hotel our first night,” she recalls. The next morning, they flew out to Seal River, a flight that turned out to be more eventful than anticipated.
Seal River Heritage Lodge. Michael Poliza photo.
Fog, Wildlife, and First Impressions
Upon landing in Churchill, MacDonald and her group encountered their first challenge. “We were fogged in at Churchill,” she explained. The delay, however, turned into an unexpected adventure. While some of the group members managed to reach the lodge, MacDonald and a few others were stuck in Churchill. “Koral was amazing,” said MacDonald, referring to the guide who led them on an impromptu tour of the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” turning a potential frustration into an enjoyable experience.
When the fog finally lifted, MacDonald and her group made their way to Seal River Heritage Lodge. “We got suited up right away,” she recalled. Although it was later in the day, the group was eager to get out into the wilderness. And they were not disappointed. “We got to see a mom and triplets,” said MacDonald, referring to a mother polar bear and her three cubs, a rare sight even in this part of the world.
The first day ended with the group marveling at the Arctic landscape and its inhabitants. MacDonald described the scene: “We just went in behind the lodge, and we got to see mom and the three babies down the road.” The encounter was emotional for many in the group. “From what I heard when they first got there, there were people crying,” MacDonald said, underscoring the impact such a sight can have.
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Bear at the Window and Arctic Adventures
MacDonald’s second day started with a surprise that only Seal River can offer. “I woke up in the morning, took a shower, blew dry my hair, and I went to lift my blind. And there’s a bear right outside the window,” MacDonald recounted. “Like five feet away. He was just on the other side of the fence.”
After this early morning excitement, MacDonald and her group set out for a full day of exploration. The group did a hike and an ATV tour, during which they visited Jack’s Cabin, an old structure and safe haven from polar bears at the mouth of the Seal River. Kayakers and canoeists will often wait at Jack’s Cabin to be picked up by boat or plane after traversing the river to Hudson Bay, and while the area can be hypnotizingly scenic, it is also serious polar bear territory.
Canoeists avoiding polar bears on the roof of Jack’s Cabin at the mouth of the Seal River. Ron Carmichael photo.
This summer, the Churchill Wild guides helped some canoeists who were on the roof of Jack’s Cabin avoiding polar bears, and it wasn’t the first time they’ve done so.
“We had a male bear come pretty close,” said MacDonald. “And that wasn’t the only bear we saw that day. It was just bear after bear after bear. We probably saw over 40 bears on this trip,” MacDonald emphasized, highlighting the sheer abundance of wildlife around them.
One of the bears that approached Dana’s group at Jack’s cabin. Ron Carmichael photo.
A Day with the Belugas: Wildlife on Land and Sea
As the trip progressed, MacDonald and her group had the chance to experience one of the most unique aspects of the Birds, Bears & Belugas safari: the interaction between polar bears and beluga whales. “We went out to see the belugas on the last day of our trip,” said MacDonald, noting how the lodge staff went above and beyond to ensure the group didn’t miss this experience despite the challenging tides.
The group first headed to Hubbard Point, a place rich in history and natural beauty. “It was amazing,” MacDonald said. “The point was also teeming with wildlife. We saw bears swimming. We saw bears right on the point, maybe about five or six,” she described, painting a picture of the Arctic wilderness in action.
Polar bears playing in Hudson Bay near the Seal River.
But it wasn’t just the bears that captivated MacDonald. The beluga whales, which came remarkably close to the bears, offered another layer of mystery. “People were squealing with delight seeing the whales come up,” Dana said. The whales’ proximity to both the bears and the boat made for an unforgettable sight. “They just look orange until they crest,” said MacDonald, adding that everyone was “oohing and ahhing” as the whales breached the surface.
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Learning from the Arctic Landscape
Throughout her safari, MacDonald was not just observing but learning, both about the wildlife and the environment. “The guides are amazing, they can really read polar bear behavior,” said MacDonald, impressed by how well the guides managed close encounters with the bears. MacDonald also took note of the smaller details in the Arctic landscape, from the vegetation to the birds. “We got to experience Arctic raspberries, they’re called, which are hard to find,” she said, sharing how the guides introduced them to various plants and berries that thrive in the harsh Arctic conditions.
Cloudberries at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
Even the birds, which might seem like a minor detail compared to the massive polar bears, caught MacDonald’s attention. She recalled how Terry, one of the guides, pointed out a special bird sought out by many photographers. “Those are Hudsonian Godwits,” Terry had said, prompting MacDonald to take a photo. This kind of detailed knowledge, shared by the guides, added depth to the experience.
Hudsonian Godwits at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
Final Reflections: Selling an Experience Like No Other
By the end of her safari, MacDonald had not only seen and experienced Seal River Heritage Lodge for herself, but she had also gained invaluable insights that would make her an even more effective ambassador for Churchill Wild’s safaris, particularly the one she was on, Birds, Bears & Belugas. “You call me with a question about this safari, I have the answer,” said MacDonald.
One of the most striking aspects of the trip for Dana was the sheer abundance and accessibility of wildlife. Whether it was the emotional sight of the mother bear with her triplets, the thrill of watching belugas swimming in Hudson Bay, or the sight of the bears standing on the rocks hunting the belugas, MacDonald knew that these experiences would resonate with potential travelers.
Polar bear watching and waiting for belugas to swim by.
Birds, Bears & Belugas was more than just a professional trip for MacDonald; it was a personal encounter with the raw beauty and power of the Arctic. From close calls with polar bears to quiet moments observing the Arctic flora, every part of the experience reinforced why Churchill Wild’s safaris are so special. “What didn’t I learn?” MacDonald pondered when asked about her biggest takeaway from the trip.
Safari Specialist Dana MacDonald (back row, far right) and her group at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Shayna Plett photo.
The Power of Firsthand Experience
MacDonald’s journey to Seal River Heritage Lodge exemplifies the importance of firsthand experience in the world of adventure travel. As someone who sells these safaris, MacDonald’s time in the Arctic was both an educational experience and a personal adventure. Her ground-level encounters with polar bears, the wildlife, the landscape, and the local history have armed her with stories and insights that will undoubtedly help her connect more deeply with Churchill Wild clients.
“Absolutely, definitely not hard to sell this,” said MacDonald.
Pretty in green. Seal River Heritage Lodge.
Recent Tripadvisor.com Reviews for Seal River Heritage Lodge
Truly memorable and one of the best wildlife trips we’ve ever done
This was a truly exceptional experience. The location and setting exceeded our expectations and we felt like we were in the exact right spot to see numerous polar bears. The guides were absolutely first rate – sharing a great deal of information, getting to know each client individually, ensuring our experiences were memorable and tailored to our needs. And the lodge’s staff were exceptional – warm, friendly, eager to please and fun. The food was amazing, and they went out of their way to accommodate our food preferences (pescaterian, vegetarian). We couldn’t have asked for more. And we saw far more bears (and belugas!) than we imagined possible. Truly memorable and one of the best wildlife trips we’ve ever done. ~ Scenic53657544447
An experience not to be missed!
Had an awesome time with Churchill Wild on the edge of Hudson Bay at this lodge. Safe and comfortable. Amazing guides who shared their extensive knowledge of the tundra and bay …showing us polar bears, belugas, all kinds of birds, and an astonishing variety of flora. Hospitality staff led by Ben & Nicole made sure we were always at ease. Food and service were impeccable. ~ Joanne M
I was meant to travel with family but they had to cancel last minute. As a solo traveler, I felt so welcomed by the Seal River Heritage Lodge crew, especially Ben and Nicole, the Lodge Managers. The entire experience with Churchill Wild booking this trip of “Bears, Belugas and Birds” to Seal River Lodge (one of their 3 lodges) was top notch. Then the trip itself left me wanting to stay longer. The staff, food, experience, wildlife, and GUIDES were fantastic. Highly recommend to ANYONE looking to experience polar bears, beluga whales and beautiful scenery along the Hudson Bay. ~ Pam M
An amazing experience! This was a bucket list item for me. It exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were very comfortable and the meals were delicious. The staff and guides were amazing. We saw more polar bears than I ever imagined. The beluga whales were so interesting and we saw many of them. Overall I would definitely recommend a visit if you love wildlife and experiencing it with like minded travelers. ~ Beverly L
A true adventure — up close with polar bears & beluga whales
My wife and I just returned from five nights at the Seal River Heritage Lodge. So this review is for a stay in early August. I will first say that we very would very much recommend this for anyone wanting an adventure, thus the five stars.
We saw polar bears every day, both from the confines of the lodge and on the daily hikes we took in the area. We took boat trips on two days down to the mouth of the Seal River and saw dozens (maybe hundreds) of beluga whales that came right up to our three boats. We even saw the Northern Lights on two of the nights – an amazing first-time experience for us… It’s more “adventure” than “vacation,” and you’ll be glad if you do it! ~ wbru83
Read more 5-Star Reviews for Seal River Heritage Lodge at Tripadvisor.com
Limited Spots Remaining for Churchill Wild 2024 Polar Bear Tours and Safaris
Birds, Bears & Belugas is full for 2024 and now booking for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The only polar bear safari with a few openings at Seal River Heritage Lodge for 2024 is the Fall Dual Lodge Safari from October 13-26.
There are a few limited spots available on the Hudson Bay Odyssey at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge from September 1-19, one female share available on the Polar Bear Photo Safari at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge from November 3-9, three spots open on the Great Ice Bear Adventure at Dymond Lake Ecolodge from October 23-November 16, and two openings on the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge from November 23-December 2. And that’s it for the season!
If you’re interested in any of these openings please call Churchill Wild at 1.866.UGO.WILD (846.9453), email us at info@churchillwild.com or Inquire here. We look forward to meeting you!
